How to Troubleshoot a Bicycle Wheel That Does Not Turn

Keeping the wheels in top condition is essential for a bicycle's performance. A bike with a stuck wheel is useless, regardless of the condition of the rest of the bike. Bent wheels, stuck brakes and damaged wheel mounts can keep bicycle wheels from turning. Understanding how to troubleshoot common symptoms of a bike wheel that won't turn will help you keep your bike running smoothly.

Rim

Determine whether the rim is bent ("out of true") or not (true). A bent rim can cause the wheel to rub against the frame or brakes, impeding smooth rotation. Possible causes of a bent rim are improper transport and hard, off-center impacts while riding. If your rim is only slightly bent, it can be trued.

Use a spoke tool to tighten spokes near the bend, creating tension that will force bend out of the rim.

If in doubt, refer to a bicycle repair manual or take the wheel to a bike shop to avoid overtruing or damaging spoke nipples. A badly bent rim should be replaced.

Brakes

The brakes might be seized shut, prohibiting the wheel from rotating. Look over the brakes to ensure there is ample room for the wheel to rotate between them.

Check that the brake lines are not caught on anything that would cause tension on them even when you are not squeezing the brake lever.

Refer to brake maintenance specific to your style of brake or consult a bike shop if you discover a problem.

Wheel Mount

Remove the wheel from the dropouts, which might require a spanner. Most wheels build in recent years can be removed by hand.

Insure the hub is not damaged. If the hub is damaged, it should be repaired or replaced by a bike mechanic.

Reset the wheel. Be sure the axle is sitting firmly in the dropouts. If the axle is askew, it will prohibit smooth rotation.

Tips

Pay attention to everything you remove and the order in which you removed it. You will have to put it all back together in the same way for the bike to function as it should.

Warnings

Do not attempt any repairs that you are not qualified to do. Visit a local bicycle shop instead.